Monday, May 31, 2010

Things that came to mind that I would like...

A few things came to mind today that I want. It's my blog so I am allowed to be selfish and request a few things. I'm not going into detail, you can always comment and ask me questions about my list. I will respond. I don't ignore.

1. The engagement ring.
2. Blink 182 to play a private party for me. Yes, you're invited. Jimmy Eat World can open(Bring you own red college cup, but beer is free).
3. A job that allows me to live in Encinitas, California
4. Children
5. A part time radio job on Sirius
6. An unlimited access to Nixon watches
7. To move Bogarts(downtown Cincinnati buy the stadiums) and rebuild it.
8. A 1984 Jeep CJ7 or CJ 5, restored, fire engine red and chromed.
9. To be capable to run the half pig in Cincinnati
10. Destroy cancer. All forms!

I'm currently listening to: Switchfoot, Metric & Unwritten Law.

Friday, May 28, 2010

CALIFORNICATION




Let me start off by saying if you have not experienced the State of California then I must say, I am sorry. It changed my life in many ways. I have two close friends in San Diego and I try visit them once a year. I met my special lady friend there and I re-gained my love for surfing and the culture. I always loved surfing but I moved from Florida to Cincy when I was 10, you cant surf on the might Ohio River. The city of San Diego is crisp. I use crisp only because every time I step off the plane and walk out of the terminal doors that is the one word that comes to my mind. Then Hodad's, LOL!

I ask how can you not love California? Even the cities catch phrase is 365 days of ahhhh.... its true. Yeah of course it rains there, they have the May grays, brush fires or earthquakes.. but zero snow and So Cal has amazing fish tacos! I would cash it all in to be able to live there, well not all in. I would want to take my special lady friend. I mean we met in California and four years later were still together. We both are in love with fresh farmers markets (support local growers), the culture of California, the eco system. I really enjoy accessible shots of wheat grass and of course the active life style the people of California have. What? You can wheat grass in Cincinnati? Yeah, I know. Whole Foods for $4 . That is ridiculous!

If you plan on going to San Diego in the future may I suggest, try to stay in Pacific Beach at Diamond Head Inn . The hotel is really 10 steps from the ocean and you will have great views of sun rises and sun sets! Two years ago while I was out there I would get up walk out of my room about 7:30 am, grab a skinny venti vanilla latte from Starbucks head another twenty feet to the Pacific, sit my ass on the sand and watch the sun rise over the ocean. The entire time Angels & Airwaves would be full blast on the ipod and I would watch the surfers catch a quick 30 min sesh before school, work or just the start to their day. I thought to my self, how could anyone go into work stressed out after a 30 min surfing session while the sun rose over the horizon. I know the same people would come back after work or school for a second session. I totally get it, leave all their stress from the day on the beach, plus get amazing work out. One with with the wave and the elements. Awesome.
For me, listening to Angels & Airwaves just kind of fit in with my surroundings. For you it could be anyone like Jack Johnson, Rise Against, Metric or this really great musician from San Diego, Tristan Prettyman. Music is the background to my life. Sitting on that beach every morning with my large cup of corporate coffee watching surfers, joggers and sky rats (sea gulls) while listening to a good tune is all I need in my life. Serious. Well, besides my special lady friend. She has Giada de Laurentiis cooking skills.

The first time I went out to San Diego I didn't realize what kind of effect that the state of California would have on me. I know i have talked about San Diego, but I have been to the O.C., San Fran and we took a boat to Catalina Island. All great spots. I thought San Francisco reminded me a little of Chicago but on the left coast and more "healthy". San Fran is a great spot, Berkley is amazing, the Golden Gate park. And of course the shopping but nothing puts a smile on my face and a calmness on my mind like San Diego.

I hear a lot of people say to me when I mention California, say "the traffic sucks" I could never live there. But, in the same sentence say the love Chicago and NYC. HA!!! Makes zero sense to me. Don't get me wrong, good cities and yes I do really enjoy Chicago. Although, I do not like the cold, high stress or pushiness. It is a pet peeve.
I want one day to wake up before I go into the office for the daily grind and head to the beach. Get a nice AM stretch, catch a few 4 footers, breathe in fresh air and salt water. Then start my day, after a plate egg whites of course.

If you are planning on going a vacation with a friend, loved one or even family think about So. Cal. When you're there don't forget the amazing wineries... got to love the vino. You will thank me later, trust me. I am a better person mentally and physically from my visits.

Monday, May 24, 2010

My run


Usually after 8.5 hours of sitting in the cube / hen house I go for a run before I head home. I work in a high maintenance job so running and working out exactly after work is a big help with my weight (of course), mind, the inner soul and well being before I come home. I hate coming home stressed out and complaining to Nicole. It's not her fault I work with hens that bach-bach all day and customers that treat me like I am an idiot. Yeah...I know it seems as if I dislike my paying gig. That's another story for another day. Back to running. About a month ago I injured my achillies, I was pushing it too hard while it was rather cold out and I didn't stretch that well before the quick run. like I said it was chilly out and that equals bad news when you're 32. I could have got away with that one when I was 21, which I don't approve of. As you know the appropriate way of course is a solid warm up, stretch, work your A off, cool down then stretch. That is the correct form which I neglected.
Not able to run for a month is kind of like being a cocks-men at a sorority mixer and having the clap. It truly sucks! When you run and runners know what I'm sayin - its a great feeling! It's reflection time as well as time to just flat out get work done! I don't know if it was a seriously bad injury but it was bad enough for me to jog and after 10 steps feel the pain. OK, maybe it was serious.
Now, being injured one would think just go to the gym and get a light workout in until you feel better, right? No. I got pissed and took a month off. Which totally effected everything around me. It's so weird how exercise does such of a thing. For a month everything sucked besides my relationship. She kept me laughing.. sign of a good woman! But sometimes even their because I would come home in a funk from work.

last week I had enough of sally puss'n around so I got up off the couch, I quit feeling sorry for myself, I quit making excuses and drove to the park and started jogging, lightly. I took it easy in case it was a serious injury and before I knew it I was running every other day, just a mile each day, but I got out and ran. I felt strong.

Today I went for a 3 miler! I felt great. I ran 3 miles today with zero pain! I feel better and I can already tell I am not going to be sore. Although, I will ice my achillies tonight for precautionary reasons. I am stoked for this week!



"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything." ~Vincent Van Gogh

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Going out to din din...


Lets real quick discuss going out to eat and how you should treat your server. I want to start off by making this statement, unless your server cusses you out and disrespects grandma at the table... you are to tip 18-20%. I will say that again... 18-20%, no question! It is not your servers fault the cook who was too stoned in the kitchen from his 5 minute break over cooked your ribeye. Half the time people order it over cooked anyway.

There is no such thing as Well-Done and juicy. I repeat. No such of a thing!

If the restaurant manager buys your dinner you are to tip the server any way.

When the server comes to your table and ask if there is anything you may need, please tell him or her every thing at once. They most likely have four other tables they need to check on and running them back and forth because you forgot to ask for butter, then steak sauce, then ranch, and oh um sir one more thing... extra napkins. THAT IS COMPLETELY BEING AN ASS! Take a freaking moment and gather your thoughts and let them know every thing you may need at one time so the server can give you adequate and timely service!

It is not mer-lot.. its merlot, mer-ˈ. Or, SAL-MON. Salmon (sa-mən). And no..a fee-let is not fish ( thanks Ronald McDonald). Its a Filet (fi-ˈlā), : a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a beef tenderloin
(www.merriam-webster.com)

Bringing more than 8 people to dinner I feel is out of line. I once witnessed a party of 25 people come into a steakhouse I worked at while I was in college and they ran this poor college co-ed trying to make ends meat into the ground. Then insisted she took the 18% gratuity off because it took to long for their steaks to come out. Yeah, it took a while.. their are 25 of you asking for well done steaks. She wound up with a $15 dollar tip. Sad, I know. A party of 25 is a freaking party, which means.. have it at your damn house. Or, how about this novel idea. Take your cheap ass to the Lowe's and buy a grill and cook it up. It's less expensive and more healthy to cook at home.

Did I mention to tip 18-20%.. if you are not a math whiz you can go online and print out a tip chart.
Here is one...

Most of all, be patient. If your server is running around like coked up Indian then that means they are slammed. You came out to eat to have a good time, relax, not to cook or clean up. So chill and enjoy your time out. Show respect, that server is busting their A for you and the other people that are demanding 100% of his or her attention.

I think when I have a child I will insist they serve while in college. You earn so much respect for serving and how hard it can be. You also learn how ridiculous people can be.

My Very First Blog

So this is my very first post in the ginormous world of blogging and blogger's. I look to inspire, make you laugh or sit back and shake your head and say WTF is he on??? I will also try to keep people honest, create positive thinking, or not... and most of all point you in the direction to enjoy yourself with what has been handed to you subliminally. My grammar is awful, although my thoughts are like Stephen Hawking, KNOW THIS! Feel free to say hello, send me a tweet or leave a comment. Like I said earlier this my first ever post and I look forward to this adventure. It's like 2:30 am in Cincy so this is all I have currently and I don't want to ramble... People that ramble get on my nerves.